Waiting for Voice Modulator components.

     The plans for the Dalek Voice Modulator are pretty straightforward, even for me. I can look at them and make some kind of sense of what's going on in the diagram. That is a testament to the clarity of the documentation and not to my ability to read circuit schematics. So, when all of the parts have arrived and the PCB has been etched and I'm ready to begin assembly, I feel fairly certain I can do it correctly. What I am uncertain about is my ability to actually, physically attach the components together on the board. I'd really like to get it right the first time.
     To that end, I have been frequenting Radio Shack of late to buy a couple of their basic solder-together kits. The first one went off without a hitch, being quite simple. It was a sound to sight project, which basically picks up noise and responds by flashing an array of 4 LEDs. Here is a short clip of my project in action (utilizing a sound bite that may be familiar to some of you):

     Tonight, I did a project that is SUPPOSED to be a night light. It should be a small box with photo-resistor and a single large LED that comes on in the absence of ambient light. It was not on PCB, but rather a piece of perf board. It was a much less rigid design, but I was mostly able to follow it. By the time I had the soldering completed, I feel like I had managed to gain a bit more competence both with the soldering and reading the diagram.
     At the end, I plugged in the 9-volt battery and the light came on, however it does not go off. So, I essentially have a flashlight that you have to unplug to turn off. I was quite amused. Chalk it up to experience gained. I must have a short or damage somewhere that I am unable to identify. I look at it as making my actual goal, that of the voice modulator, more attainable.
     Hopefully, the PCB will be here tomorrow, which is the earliest possible arrival date. If so, the etching will be first on the list!
    On a different note, I am trying to figure out which part of the Dalek's exterior to begin with. I believe I'll start with the fender. The bumper at the bottom which will also house the motors and wheels from the Jazzy. Seems as though I need to build on a foundation so I know everything will fit. Indeed everything does have to rest on the base. As my dad might say, "Every tub sits on its own bottom."

Talk to you soon!
-Scionic